Sunday, January 27, 2008

Chandelier - Lot 666

Symbolism abounds in the lot number. Probably the most obvious reference to darkness, the number 666, the lot number used to identify the chandelier at auction. It’s the biblical reference in Revelations attributed to the mark of beast (“Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man, and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.” NASB Revelation 13:18)

The lot identifies the portion in life assigned to the Phantom by fate, which is one to live in a world of darkness and rejection, assuredly associated with hell. As he drags Christine back down to his world in his last attempt to have her, he cries that he's taking her back to his dungeon, prison, and hell.

The chandelier on the other hand is a grand representation of light before destruction. It illuminated the world of the Opera Populaire at the height of its grandeur, but is destroyed and becomes a chandelier in pieces. The Phantom succeeds in ultimately destroying the beauty of the world he loves and plunges the opera house into darkness and burning fire. Yet, at the auction, the chandelier has been somewhat repaired and illuminated once again, and is hoisted up as if to ask for someone to resurrect it from the darkness it’s been plunged into and restore it as it was once before.

What lesson can we draw? Perhaps, your lot in life is not one you would have chosen. Are you looking for someone to redeem you from the darkness you’ve been plunged into and resurrect you into a new life? Let your mind wander through the symbolism of the lot number and the chandelier and see where it leads you.

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"Lessons From 'The Phantom of the Opera' " is a creative and thoughtful approach to pop culture hit. I enjoyed the book because I teach French history at the college level and I have long enjoyed Gothic novels as well as opera. I connect with the story on several levels, professional and personal. "Lessons" takes a personal, reflective approach that asks readers to think about why they react as they do to the musical and novel. Why does such an old fashioned, romantic story have such appeal in post modern society? Simple: young or old or in between, we still respond to the emotions explored in the story. I plan to tell some of my students who are Phantom fans about this book." (Dr. Melanie Byrd)

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